Publication Date
5-2020
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biology: Biomedical Sciences
Keywords
human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, antiretroviral therapy, immunosuppression, sub-Saharan Africa, opioid management
Disciplines
Immunology and Infectious Disease | Medical Pharmacology | Medicine and Health | Molecular Biology | Virology
Recommended Citation
Silver, Sophie, "A Review of Human Immunodeficiency Virus" (2020). Senior Honors Theses. 1013.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1013
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus, also referred to as HIV, is a devastating virus which has infected millions. Characterized as a retrovirus, HIV has an RNA genome, which is reverse transcribed into DNA upon entry into the host cell. HIV primarily affects CD4+ T cells and is diagnosed by the significant reduction of CD4+ T cells. While no cure has been discovered yet, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment option. In the progression of HIV, additional HIV-associated diseases may arise, including HIV-associated psoriasis and sensory neuropathy. In addition to the use of ART, clinicians often prescribe opioids to manage the chronic pain experienced by patients with HIV. However, studies have demonstrated the immunosuppressant properties of opioids, which enhance HIV infection and must therefore be taken into consideration in the treatment of HIV.
Included in
Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons, Medical Pharmacology Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Molecular Biology Commons, Virology Commons
